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Enamel Coating Thickness Measurement In-Depth

Updated : Feb. 20, 2024

Enameled aluminum wire, as a crucial component in electrical devices, has its insulation coating thickness directly impacting electrical performance and reliability. Accurate measurement of the coating thickness is a key step in ensuring product quality. Below, we will provide a detailed overview of traditional methods for measuring coating thickness, as well as other more advanced measurement techniques.

Coating Thickness Measurement

Measurement Methods

The preparation for coating thickness measurement involves the use of a micrometer with an accuracy of 0.001mm, which is the primary tool for traditional enamel wire thickness measurement. To observe surface details of the coating, a projector or magnifying glass can be used, along with a specialized template to measure different corner radii (R).

Careful selection of auxiliary tools is crucial to ensure accurate and reliable size measurements. Finally, using the micrometer, measure the conductor diameter and enameled wire diameter to determine the coating thickness that meets the inspection standards.

Measurement Methods

Step One: Enameled Wire Diameter Measurement

Circular Enameled Wire Diameter (D):Measure at three evenly distributed points along the circumference of the sample at two positions spaced 1000mm apart.

Rectangular Enameled Wire Outer Dimensions:Using a perfectly straight sample, measure the dimensions of the narrow side (A) and wide side (B) at three positions separated by at least 100mm. Record the measurements. If the sample size is greater than the diameter of the micrometer measuring rod, measure at the middle and ends of the sample, taking the larger value as the measurement result for that location.

Step One: Enameled Wire Diameter Measurement

Step Two: Enameled Wire Paint Stripping

To proceed with the measurement of enamel thickness, a paint stripping process is essential. Different paint stripping methods are suitable for various scenarios, including blade scraping, centrifugal knife paint stripping, grinding wheel paint stripping, and the use of paint stripping agents. For detailed paint stripping methods, refer to the six skinning methods for enameled wire.

Step Three: Measurement of Conductor Diameter of Enameled Wire

Measurement of Conductor Diameter for Round Enameled Wire

For round enameled wire conductor diameter (d):at two positions spaced 1000mm apart, remove the enamel without damaging the conductor. At each position, perform measurements at three evenly distributed points along the circumference of the sample.

Measurement of Conductor Diameter for Rectangular Enameled Wire

Dimensions of Rectangular Enameled Wire Conductor: At the three positions mentioned in the previous measurements, remove the insulation without damaging the conductor and measure the narrow side (a) and wide side (b) of the flat conductor.

Radius of Rounded Corners for Rectangular Enameled Wire Conductor (R): Measure a section with a length not less than 200mm. Fill it with resin that does not affect the insulation, and the resin color should differ from the insulation enamel. After polishing a cross-section perpendicular to the sample axis, compare and measure it using a 20x magnifying glass or a projector with a special template.

Step Three: Measurement of Conductor Diameter of Enameled Wire

Step Four: Calculation of Enameled Wire Insulation Thickness

Calculation of Insulation Thickness for Round Enameled Aluminum Wire

Obtain the arithmetic average of the six measurements at the two positions on the enameled wire to determine the measured diameter (D) of the enameled wire.

Obtain the arithmetic average of the six measurements at the two positions on the conductor to determine the measured diameter (d) of the conductor.

Calculate the insulation thickness (t) using the formula: t = D - d, where:

Calculation of Enameled Flat Aluminum Wire Insulation Thickness

Obtain the arithmetic average of the measurements at three positions on sides A and B of the flat enameled wire to determine the measured dimensions of the flat enameled wire.

Obtain the arithmetic average of the measurements at three positions on sides a and b of the conductor to determine the measured dimensions of the conductor of the flat enameled wire.

Calculate the insulation thickness for the narrow side (ta) using the formula: ta = A - a, where:

Calculate the insulation thickness for the wide side (tb) using the formula: tb = B - b, where:

Other Portable Measurement Methods

X-ray Fluorescence Method

The X-ray fluorescence method is a non-contact technique for measuring paint thickness. It calculates the paint thickness by irradiating X-rays and detecting fluorescence signals. It is suitable for mass production, offering high accuracy and rapid testing.

Eddy Current Coating Thickness Gauge

The eddy current coating thickness gauge is a sensor-based device that measures paint thickness using the principle of induced currents. It is suitable for various shapes and sizes of enameled wire samples, and it is relatively easy to operate.

Microscopic Method

The microscopic method involves morphological analysis of the paint film to calculate its thickness. While the testing cost is relatively low, it requires intricate operation and professional skills.

Overview

When selecting a measurement method, it is essential to choose an appropriate approach based on production needs and specific circumstances. This ensures that the quality and performance of enameled wire meet the required standards. As a supplier of enameled aluminum wire, Chalco is committed to providing customers with products that meet performance standards. Every enameled wire is guaranteed to meet or exceed the specified quality requirements.

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